The Asbury Park Music and Film Festival, which is going into its third year, will feature the screening or incredible films paired with great acts, including Little Steven, the Matt O'Ree band and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

It will take place April 20 to 23.

But why not step it up a notch and opt for an upgraded experience?

We're breaking down our favorite VIP experiences in Jersey this spring and summer:

Asbury Park Music and Film Festival

VIP tickets are on sale, and Jamie Wark, the President of APMFF, said the passes include premium access throughout the weekend, alongside some of the most legendary artists and executives in the music and film industries.

Platinum VIP passes for $1,000 include access to all VIP events, exclusive priority entry and best seating reservations at each venue. You will also receive a reserved seat to the Awards Brunch, $50 merchandise credit and you'll be identified as a patron sponsor in the program.

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The annual Asbury Park Music and Film Festival will be taking over the city April 20th through April 23rd.
Ryan Ross

Gold Pass tickets for $500 allow you access into select VIP events, exclusive priority entry and the best seats reserved at your selection of half of the main shows throughout the weekend.

VIP passes are limited. They can be reserved at apmff.com or by calling 732-945-1082.

QuickChek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning

This is Howard Freeman's 25th year working on producing the annual QuickChek balloon festival, which takes place July 28 to 30 at Solberg Airport in Readington.

Yet every time the balloons ascend into the sky, the hair on his arms raises up.

The annual balloon festival, which is going into its 35th year, is the largest summer hot air balloon and music festival in North America. It features hundreds of balloons of all different shapes and sizes rising into the sky. The three-day event also features daily entertainment with yoga, sunrise breakfast, and local music acts with the headliners Plain White T's.

Freeman, the executive producer for the event, said it's the perfect family friendly vacation in Jersey in July — every year, there are close to 175,000 attendees.

The VIP package also comes with access to the sunrise breakfast buffet from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Freeman said the sunrise breakfast has everything you can imagine, from custom-made omelettes to waffles in the shape of a balloon to French toast to bacon. Don't forget about their Schlumberger sparking wine and "Balloonis" (or mimosas).

"(If you have kids,) it's the coolest thing to watch the balloons inflating through their eyes," Freeman said. "I remember when I used to take my son when he was younger to the circus. In the beginning, I would watch the three rings myself, but then I started watching the experience through his eyes. I'd watch the glee on his face. It's the same thing with balloons."

VIP tickets are $60 to $75 for a day, $25 to $30 for children.

Visit Balloonfestival.com or call 973-882-5464.

Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival

Enjoy a combination of classic rock, world-class barbecue and craft beer June 24 and 25 at Sussex County Fairgrounds.

"Life is too short to be a vegetarian at that event," Freeman, who also helps put on the festival, joked.

The festival will feature five barbecue pit masters from all over the country who will be making ribs, pulled pork, brisket and wings. There will be live music from a variety of artists, including Charlie Daniels Band, Marshall Tucker Band, The Kentucky Headhunters and the Outlaws.

The Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival in Sussex County.(Photo: COURTESY OF VERNON WEBB)

"Every guy I speak to thinks they are the greatest rib cooker out there or that they have the greatest rib rub," Freeman said. "Well if you're think you're that good, come out and taste these guys who come from all over the country — see how your barbecue compares."

VIP upgrades include RV camping, tent camping and access to special after parties.

For regular VIP passes, you'll experience a VIP parking lot located close to the festival grounds, day-long seating in front of the main concert stage, a VIP party tent with shaded areas, private food service and air-conditioned restrooms. Food and beverage purchased, however, is not included in ticket prices.

You can park your own RV or experience good old fashioned tent camping conveniently located 200 yards away from the main stage.

Try camping at Campgrounds East for more of a nightlife scene with an after concert bonfire or Campgrounds West for a quieter experience.

RV camping costs $85 for no electric access, $110 for 20-amp access. Camping in the East for 30 amp access costs $120 or $160 for 50 amp access. RV passes must be purchased in addition to festival passes.

Camping tickets cost $210 with a weekend VIP pass.

Visit rockribsandridges.com; call 973-882-8240.

Hop Sauce Festival

Forget Coors Light and cover bands.

This fourth annual Beach Haven Hop Sauce festival is about bringing in relevant artists from all over and mixing it with hot sauce, craft beer and food to Long Beach Island's emerging arts scene.

The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 3 at Taylor Avenue Waterfront in Beach Haven.

This year, enjoy bands, like ELEL, which has a Beach House and Wilco sound; as well as Hardwork Movement, a Philly-based hip hop group; and Lee Fields and the Expressions, a soul artists whose voice has been compared to James Brown.

Upgrade your experience with VIP tickets for $150. You will experience a private tent area filled with kegs of beer so you can avoid waiting in line. There also will be shelves to place your bags, so you don't have to worry about carrying your things, as well as food vouchers available that you can trade in for a meal from one of the many vendors.

VIP tickets also include a private area, where you can watch the band up close.

Regina Lotito, the operations director of the Hop Sauce festival, said the Hop Sauce festival's VIP passes are meant to give attendees a place where they can go to rest and get away from it all for a little bit.

"We give away a bunch of free goodies, like a pint glass, T-shirts, hot sauces," Lotito said. "We try to incorporate all of our vendors and even our bands into the VIP experience by having them put something in the goody bags. It's just a really good feeling — a good way to start summer."